Searching for Confidence Anonymous

I rushed from the greenroom to backstage. As I waited for my cue, I chanted and repeated the words in my head.

Finally, the lights dimmed, and I moved to center stage, clenching my fists and willing myself to stop shaking. As the spotlight centered on me and the music began to play, I felt butterflies growing in my stomach.

“Himo wo, toite mi…”

My throat constricted as I sang, and I was scared that I would forget the words. This was my first time singing a solo in front of an audience. However, as the music petered away, claps roared for me.

Singing has taught me confidence. Prior to this performance, which happened during the spring of my freshman year, I was nervous and shy, scared to appear in front of an audience alone. However, I have come to enjoy performing so much that I joined my school’s show choir. We perform three times a year, plus, we compete with other show choirs twice a year, travelling as far as San Diego. Also, we perform Christmas shows for the elderly. Their laughs and smiles have touched my heart, and I am pleased to see how much singing has secured their happiness, as well as mine.